1.
Top Three Diabetes Related Skin
Disorders and Their ICD-10 Codes
The article lists the three
top diabetes related skin
disorders and their
relevant ICD-10 codes.
Outsource Strategies International
8596 E. 101st Street, Suite H
Tulsa, OK 74133

2.
www.outsourcestrategies.com 918-221-7769
Diabetes is the fastest growing long-term (chronic) disease,
affecting millions of people across the globe. People suffering
from this condition experience several complications. Skin
disorders are one of the top complications associated with Type 1
and Type 2 diabetes. Skin complications can occur when blood
sugar levels are too high, and they are often the first visible signs
of diabetes. Many of these, such as certain rashes and blisters,
can be direct manifestations of diabetes or allergic reactions to
insulin or diabetes medications. Others, including fungal
infections and dry, itchy skin, are not uncommon among
otherwise healthy people but tend to affect those with diabetes
more frequently. Reports suggest that an estimated one-third of
people with diabetes experience skin conditions either related to
or influenced by the condition. People can use medication to
resolve skin problems, but managing blood sugars is usually the
best way to prevent and treat skin problems that relate to
diabetes. Taking diabetic medications (as prescribed), staying
physically active and focusing on a healthy diet can help control
blood sugar levels which in turn would help reduce your risk of
diabetic skin disorders. People with diabetes need to be aware
about the potentially serious skin problems related to the disease
and consult the physician before the problem gets complicated.
Identifying, diagnosing, and documenting the various diabetes
related skin problems can be a complex task for physicians.
Accurate medical record documentation is vital for correct billing

3.
www.outsourcestrategies.com 918-221-7769
and coding for different types of diabetes skin disorders. Reliable
billing companies outsource medical billing services that
physicians can utilize for correct clinical documentation of these
conditions.
Here discussed are the top three diabetes-related skin diseases
and their ICD-10 codes –
Acanthosis Nigricans- Acanthosis nigricans features a darkened
band of thickened, velvety skin. These areas can appear in the
armpits and groin, and sometimes on the knees, elbows, and
hands. The skin may be thicker and may take on a velvety
texture. The condition can be a sign of pre-diabetes, but it can
also occur from a hormonal problem or the use of some
medications (like corticosteroid and niacin). Reports suggest that
acanthosis nigricans occurs in as many as 74 percent of people
with obesity and diabetes. The condition is not contiguous and
managing blood glucose levels and body mass index may help
control the symptoms in the long run.
 L83 – is the ICD-10 code used for diagnosing
Acanthosis Nigricans
Bullosis Diabeticorum – A common condition among people
with diabetes mellitus, bullosis diabeticorum is a distinct, non-
inflammatory, blistering condition of acral skin. Also called
diabetic blisters, the condition tends to arise in long-standing
diabetes or in conjunction with multiple complications. People

4.
www.outsourcestrategies.com 918-221-7769
develop irregularly shaped blister-like sores that appear randomly
on the top and sides of the lower legs and feet, and sometimes
on the hands or the forearms. The blisters are often large in size,
painless, and occur alone or in patches. The exact causes of these
blisters are not fully known. However, they are more common in
people who develop diabetic neuropathy, a group of nerve
disorders that affects people with both Type 1 and Type 2
diabetes. The best treatment option for this condition is good
blood sugar management, although a doctor may aspirate large
blisters under sterile conditions.People with bullae lesions should
avoid breaking the blister, to prevent infections. Most blisters
heal in three weeks or so, without leaving scars. ICD- 10 codes
for diabetic blisters include –
 L13 Other bullous disorders
 L13.0 Dermatitis herpetiformis
 L13.1 Subcorneal pustular dermatitis
 L13.8 Other specified bullous disorders
 L13.9 Bullous disorder, unspecified
 L14 Bullous disorders in diseases classified elsewhere
Diabetic ulcers – A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound
that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes.
These can occur anywhere on the skin but are most common on
the feet (typically on the bottom of the foot). It is estimated that
among people who develop a foot ulcer, about 6 percent will be
hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.

5.
www.outsourcestrategies.com 918-221-7769
Many people who develop foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel
pain. One of the first symptoms associated with the condition is
some drainage on socks. Redness and swelling may also be
associated with the ulceration and, if it progresses significantly,
odor may be present. If left untreated, an ulcer can become
infected and there is a risk of tissue death, and the person may
ultimately need an amputation. Therefore, people with diabetes
need to manage their blood sugar level. They should also make it
a point to check their feet and other parts of the body regularly
for wounds or lesions that may need attention. Related ICD-10
codes include –
 E11.62 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with skin
complications
 E11.620 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic dermatitis
 E11.621 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
 E11.622 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin ulcer
 E11.628 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin
complication
People with chronic diabetes are at increased risk of suffering
various skin problems. Keeping the blood sugar level under
control is one of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetes-
related skin problems. With proper management of diabetes,
many of these skin problems can be averted. This requires
compliance with a diabetic diet, medication, regular physical
activity, regular check-ups and carefully following the physician’s

6.
www.outsourcestrategies.com 918-221-7769
instructions regarding insulin or other diabetes medicines. Proper
skin and foot care are important.
Knowing the specific ICD-10 codes related to different diabetes
skin conditions is critical for providers. Partnering with an
experienced dermatology medical billing company is a
practical option for physicians to ensure accurate and timely claim
submissions.